Getting Creative With Lav Mic Placement

In the wide world of video, one of the most important aspects of production is the sound quality. Sound sells the realism behind your favorite movies and TV shows. In fact, a lot of what you hear when you watch the latest blockbuster or HBO hit series isn't "real." It's created by Foley artists in a studio and mixed in later. This gives the editors maximum control over each individual sound, from footsteps, to gunshots, to engines. Of all the sounds, however, there is one in every feature film that just can't be faked: dialog.

Enter the lavalier: a small, unassuming mic that can be placed virtually anywhere near the talent's mouth to capture their voice. Though with any video, the secret to selling the effect is realism, and having a person walk around with a wire hanging off their lapel in a tense diner conversation isn't exactly realistic. This video from Aputure shows 17 different ways to attach a lav to your actor depending on outfit choices and styling.

You'll find several different DIY ideas mentioned in the video. From personal experience, I can attest to the usefulness of double-sided tape and moleskins for mounting/hiding lavs. Gaff tape, duct tape, and invisiLavs from Rode are also noteworthy additions when it comes to attaching lavs to odd spots and removing the ruffling noises that many clothes cause. Lav mics are a vital part of any audio kit where dialog is concerned. Learning how to take advantage of these awesome mics will definitely give your sound, and your whole production, a dramatic increase in quality. What are some tools that you use to mount and hide lavs? Do you have any tips or tricks that you use that you didn't see in the video?